Calorie and macronutrients intake in people with spinal cord injuries: an analysis by sex and injury-related variables

Abstract

Objective: Current studies suggest that two of every three persons with spinal cord injury are at risk for the metabolic consequences of obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary intakes in people with spinal cord injury based on sex- and injury-related variables.

Methods: In total 162 people with spinal cord injury participated in this cross-sectional study. Their dietary intakes were assessed by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire.

Results: The percentages of total energy intake derived from macronutrients were 53% carbohydrate, 10% protein, and 37% fat for men and 52% carbohydrate, 11% protein, and 39% fat for women. There was excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates (102.17 ± 40.83). The participants with longer times since injury had lower cholesterol intakes (P = 0.02). The individuals with an incomplete injury consumed significantly more monounsaturated fatty acids (n = 114, 27.2 ± 12.01 g) than those with a complete injury (n = 48, 23.6 ± 8.08 g, P = 0.03). There was a significant positive correlation of age and time since injury with fiber intake (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The balance of macronutrients shifted toward intakes of fat and simple carbohydrates at the expense of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein in these participants. Mean amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in these participants were above the recommended intakes. Older participants and those with a longer time since injury tended to have lower calorie, fat, carbohydrate, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes and higher fiber intakes.